Groups mark 40th EDSA anniversary with call for accountability

Several groups from various sectors gathered at the EDSA Shrine to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, calling for accountability amid corruption, poverty and political dynasties in the country.

Tess Tagulinao, 78, a veteran of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution or EDSA 1, urged Filipinos to continue fighting government corruption and entrenched political dynasties.

She and her friends, who also took part in the bloodless uprising, joined the commemoration rites marking four decades since People Power.

"The significance of this event is that for us, the spirit of EDSA 1 never dies. It must be continued. And just like our banner (tarpaulin), this is the spirit of EDSA—no more political dynasties," Tagulinao said.

"Among the others, of course, democracy is still there. Never to any kind of dictatorship anymore," she added.

Tagulinao also called on the youth to become more engaged and participate in civic activities.

"Show the people your conviction. It's not enough to exchange beautiful memes on social media. We have to show by being present with our bodies—how deep, how wide, how big is the depth of your conviction," she said.

Battle not yet over

For his part, Mang Mike, a senior citizen who declined to give his surname, said he also participated in the 1986 uprising, staying at EDSA for several days without going home and relying on the kindness of strangers for food.

"We are here to thank the Lord because this is a gift that we believe was given to us, but the battle is not yet over. It is the same as what happened to the Israelites during the time of Christ, who were 40 years before they arrived in the Promised Land," said Mang Mike, clad in a pink shirt and a brown vest bearing the words "Pilipinas kong mahal, ipaglalaban kita!"

"We need to turn to those who are not living properly, especially those who are leading the government, who are oppressing the people and abusing their power. We need to stop this. EDSA is not yet over and we continue to fight until we achieve a better tomorrow for our country," he added.

Mang Mike also called for national unity and patriotism.

"I encourage every Filipino to love their own country. We must be united when it comes to abuses by government officials and corruption. This will continue to happen in our country. So I am united on this day to answer the robbers and to have a new system so that the abuse will not happen again," he said.